Control apparatus



A. H. BUCKLEY 2,295,713

CONTROL APPARATUS Sept. 15, 1942.

. Filed Aug. 30, 1939 ATTORNEY.

Patented Sept.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE coN'raor. APPARATUS I Arthur H. Buckley, Chicago, 111.

Application August 30, 1939, Serial No. 292,584

4 Claims. (01.176-124) My invention relates in general to electrical controls, and has more particular reference to improved switch means especially well adapted forq se in controlling gaseous conduction lamps. An important object of the present invention is to provide compact and inexpensive switch means for controlling the delivery of electrical energy to an electrical device requiring, in addiduring the operation of the device following the starting period.

A further object is to provide switch means, including a main switch element for controlling the delivery of load energy to an electrical deyice, an auxiliary switch element adapted to control the delivery of starting energy, and switch actuating mechanism mechanically interconnected with both the main and auxiliary switch elements for opening-and closing the main switch and for causing the auxiliary switch to function as the main switch closes.

Another important object is to utilize a main switch and associated mechanism operable to place the main switch in either open or closed condition, and to arrange the mechanism so that the auxiliary switch will close and remain closed only during a starting interval afterlclosure of the main switch, the auxiliary switch being adapted thereafter to open while the main switch remains closed so long as the device continues in operation.

Another object is to utilize an auxiliary switch, having means 'operatively associated with the main switch for allowing the auxiliary switch to close and remain closed for a period of time as an. incident to the closure of the main switch; a further object being to utilize a switch operating mechanism for closing the main switch, in response to the application of switch actuating force or pressure, said mechanism functioning as an incident to the closure of the main switch to allow the auxiliary switch to remain in closed position so long as such actuating force is applied, and upon release of actuating pressure, to

.open the auxiliary switch and thus'disable the starting means.

Another important object is to utilize, as switch actuating mechanism, means biased toward a normal or standby position and manually movable, by application of actuating pressure thereon, to a position permitting the auxiliary switch to remain closed only so long as actuating pressure is maintained upon the switch actuating mechanism, the auxiliary switch being caused to open upon release of such actuating pressure; a further object being to arrange the switch actuated mechanism for the successive opening and closing of the main switch in response to.

successive applications of switch actuating pressure on said mechanism, whereby the sequence .of operation of both the main and auxiliary switches is accomplished merely by the application-and release, of actuating pressure upon the switch actuating mechanism.

Another important object is to utilize a progressively acting device, such as a rotary switch, and to employ ratchet means for progressively operating the rotary switch to openand close the same; a further object beingto provide cam means, under the controlof said ratchet means,

for actuating the auxiliary switch as an incident to the actuation of the main switch.

, Another important object resides in the compact arrangement of main and auxiliary switches in a single unitary frame on which all of the parts of the main and auxiliary switches, and of the switch actuating mechanism, are mounted and retained; a further object being to form the frame as a mounting block, preferably of hard rubber, or other suitable insulating material, and to .retain the parts inplace on the block by a spring cover of simplified form.

.Among the other numerous important objects of the invention is to provide a neat, compact pull switch construction for controlling electrical apparatus, having associated means requiring to be energized in order to start the device in operation; to provide switch mechanism, including a main switch for controlling the delivery of power to spaced electrodes of a gaseous conduction lamp, and an auxiliary switch mechanically interconnected with the main switch and operable to energize lamp starting means during a limited period of time after the main switch has closed; to provide mechanism of a purely mechanical nature for actuating a plurality of interrelated switches for the'purpose mentioned; to reduce the cost,o f control mechanism for gaseous conduction lampsand similar equipment; and to provide simplified and inexpensive pull switch means for controllingv gaseous conduction lamps of the character described.

These and numerous other objects, advantages, and inherent functions of the invention will be apparent from the following description, which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, disc-losesa preferred embodiment of the invention.

Referring to the drawing:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a gaseous conduction lamp provided with control means embodying my present invention;

Figure 2 is an exploded view of parts comprising a preferred form of control means embodying my present invention;

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken through a control device-embodying mypresent invention;

Figure 4 is asectional view taken substantially along the line 4-4 in Figure 3; and

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 55 in Figure 4.

To illustrate my invention, I have shown on the drawing an electrical device I l adapted to receive electrical power from a suitable power source l3 through a control device I5 embodying my present invention and comprising .a main switch ll. Upon the closure of the main switch, electrical power for the operation of the device II will be delivered thereto through the circuit comprising the conductors i9 and 2|. The de- 7 tion path of the lamp vice Il comprises starting means 23 requiring to a be electrically energized in order to condition the device i I for operation after closure of the switch l1, and consequently, the control device i5 embodies an auxiliary switch 25 connected to control the delivery of power to the starting means 23.

In the illustrated embodiment, the device ll comprises a gaseous discharge lamp, and the starting means 23 comprise filaments adapted, when energized, to condition the gaseous medium in the lamp l l for operation as a conduction medium. In gaseous lamps of the character mentioned, application of operating; potential between the spaced filaments 23, by closure of the switch II, will not necessarily start the lamp in operation unless the gaseous medium has been rendered suificiently conductive to allow current to flow therethrough between the spaced electrodes 23 at the potential supplied by thesource i3. The filaments 23, when energized, function to ionize the gaseous contents of the lamp to render the same conducting and thus condition the lamp for operation.

In th illustrated embodiment, the conductors l9 and 2| are connected each to one side of one of the filaments 23, a reactance, preferably inthe form of a choke 'coil 28, being interposed in the conductor IS in series with the gaseous conduction path. The other side of the filaments are interconnected in series through the auxiliary switch 25 so that upon closure of the switches l1 and 25, a series circuit may be established, including the power source, the filaments 23, and the switches l1 and 25, whereby thus to energize the filaments 23 in order to ionize and thus condition the gaseous contents of the lamp for operation. I

In actual operation, the gaseous contents of the lamp become ionized almost instantaneously and consequently become conducting, but the lamp may not go into operation until the switch 25 is opened, since the resistance to current flow through the gaseous conducting path of the lamp, even when ionized, is substantially higher than the resistance of the circuitbetweenthe filaments 23 and including the switch 25. When the switch 25 is opened, however, the interruption in the circuit imparts an inductive voltage kick, by virtue of the coil 28, and, the gaseous conducting path being ionized, the lamp goes into operation by virtue of the series circuit; coinprising the power source IS, the gaseous conducbetween the electrodes 25, and the closed switch I], the filaments 22 acting as electrodes. The coil 28 also has a current limiting efiect in the circuit.

It is the purpose of my present invention to provide improved and simplified control mechanism -l5, including the main and auxiliary switches I1 and 25, whereby the main switch may be manually operated, as by means of the pull chain 21, to place the switch l1 either in open or in closed condition and thus control the delivery of operating power to the device II. In order to provide a positive, preferably purely mechanical, and exceedingly simple and inexpensive mechanism, my invention contemplates the provision of means for closing the switch 25 and retaining the same in closed position for an interval after the closure of the switch I! to allow the filaments 23 to perform their function in conditioning the gaseous conduction path of the lamp II for operation,. and thereafter to open the switch 25 and allow the lamp to operate as such.

of course, any suitable mechanical means for accomplishing the control of theswitches l1 and 25 may be employed, and my present invention is not necessarily restricted to the particular form, construction or arrangement of the switches l1 and 25, or of the manually operable mechanism for actuating the same in the desired manner. In its broad aspect, my invention visualizes any suitable mechanical means for opening and closing the main switch, and for causing closure of the auxiliary switch only for a brief instant after the main switch has closed, and thereafter causing the auxiliary switch to open.

I prefer to accomplish the foregoing sequence of switch operation by manually operable means, including mechanism 28 adapted to be shifted in response to the application of switch .actuating pressure thereon, whereby to successively open and close the main switch I! in response to successive applications of switch actuating pressure on the mechanism, whereby the main switch is constituted as a successively and progressively operating switch device. The switch actuating mechanism also is arranged to cooperate with the auxiliary switch in order to cause closure of the same as and when the main switch is closed, the auxiliaryswitch remaining closed only for a short interval following closure of the main switch.

I prefer to constitute the main switch II as a rotary switch. Furthermore, I prefer to arrange the switch actuating mechanism in the form of pawl and ratchet means II and 53 drivingly connected with the main switch, the actuating mechanism 29 being also controllingly positioned with respect to the auxiliary switch, whereby the auxiliary switch is maintained normally in open position by said actuating mechanism. ,The actuating mechanism is also arranged to release the auxiliary switch for closure thereof as the mechanism is moved to actuate the main switch, said uxiliary switch remaining in closed position ntil the mechanism is relieved of switch awaiting pressure and permitted to return to a position in which it again holds the auxiliary switch inopen position.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, more which may be conveniently arranged in cavities 39 formed for the purpose in the frame 35, said contacts being electrically connected in the cavities 39 with the conductors 2| comprising cables extending outwardly of the frame35.

The frame 35 also provides a space 4| therein said surfaces are in engagament with the spring contacts 31, the member v43 will complete electrical connection between the spring contacts, but when the star wheel is rotated to position in which the remaining'two surfaces of the star wheel are in contact with the spring contacts 31, the circuit between said contacts will be open. An insulating piece 5| is disposed in the frame 35 above the star wheehand the contacts, the pin 41 extending in the cavity 45 to drivingly connect with the star wheel, and extending through a central opening 53' in the insulating plate 5| and upwardly thereof It will be seen that by turning the stem 41 upwardly of the plate 5|, the. star wheel 45 may be turned between the contacts 31 to alternately make and break the electrical connection between theswitch contacts 31.

disk 55, having a central squared opening 51, receiving the driving pin 41 above the disk 5|. The ratchet disk,55 is provided with four peripherally arranged slots 59.

The pawl 3|, preferably comprises a sheet metal member, having a plate portion 6| adapted to overlie and ride upon the ratchet plate 55, said plate portion 6| having a struckout ratchet detent 63, preferably at the edge of the portion 6|, in position to engage the openings 59 of the plate 55. The plate portion 5| also has a central opening, preferably defined .by an upstanding rim 65, which opening is adapted to receive and rotate on the pin 41. The pawl member also is preferably provided with integral upstanding ears 51 at the edges of the plate portion BI and subtending substantially one-half of the circumference of the portion 6|, said cars 61 forming a trackway for receiving the pull chain 23, the end link of which may be anchored in a slot 69 formed at an end of one of the ears 61.

The parts are held in place in the frame 35 ing prong 11 in position to be received axially in an axial channel 19 formed in the pin 41. The prong 11 and the portions of. the pin 41 which extend upwardly through the collar provide a mounting for a biasing spring 8|, one end of which is hooked upon the arm 16, and

the other end of which is hooked for engagement with an edge of an car 61 adjacent the ratchet detent 63, whereby the spring 8| normally urges the pawl member 3| on the pin 41 the engagement of the end ball of the pull chain with the base of the retaining member 1|.

The auxiliary switch 25 comprises a pair of switch elements 83 and mounted upon the frame 35, as in a cavity 81 formed at the back of the frame, the switch arms 83 and 85 being of electrical conducting material and having ends 89 exposed outwardly of the frame and formed for connection with the conductors 26. The arms 83 and 85 are insulated the one from the other, as by means of a suitable insulating block 9|, and the free ends of the arms may be provided with contact buttons 93 in opposing registration. The arm 85 has sufficient resilience to normally hold the contact buttons in engagement, whereby to close the switch, said arm, however, at its end is provided with a finger 92 extending through an opening 95 in the frame 35 so that the finger 92 may rest upon the car 61 adjacent the chain anchorage 69 when the pawl -is in the normal stopped position, as shown in Figure 5 of the drawing. So long as the pawl is in such stopped position, it will hold the switch 25 in open position.

Thelswitch parts are enclosed, and the pawl and ratchet mechanism retained in the frame 35 by means of a preferably sheet metal cover 91, comprising an end wall 99 adapted to overlie the cavity 81 housing the switch 25, the top wall overlying the pawl andratchet mechanism and the holding member 1| to retain the'same in place in the frame, an end wall I03 overlying the front of the frame and provided with a chain outlet I05. The cover 91 also may be formed with edge lugs I01 to prevent lateral displacementthereof on the frame, and'holding lugs |||9 to engage the under side of the frame and hold the cover in place. a

When switch actuating pressure is applied on the mechanism 29, as by pulling the chain 21, the pawl member 3| is rotated from the normah or inactive position, shown in Figure 5, in a clockwise direction until stopped by the engagement of the end of the chain track forming ear means 61 with the stop forming portions of the member 1|, the spring 8| being tensioned by such movement. As soon as the pawl 3| moves from the normal position, shown in Figure 5, the edge of the ear means 61 adjacent the chain anchorage 69 is moved away from switch finger 92, thus permitting the switch 25 to close. At .the same time, the'pawl portion 63 catches in one of the openings 59 of the ratchet disk and causes the driving stem 41 to be turned, by virtue of the splined relationship of the stern in the opening 51 of the pawl disk. The stem 41, in turn, rotates the switch member 43 and causes switch I1 to move from closed to open, or from open to closed position. The switch 25, of course,

the pawl to throw the switch I1, as a result of a succeeding pull on the chain, the switch 25 remaining open until the pawl is again actuated.

' I prefer to connect a condenser of small capacity across the switch 25, and this condenser may be conveniently mounted, as shown in the cavity 81, immediately below the contacts 83 and 85 forming the switch 25.

It will be seen from the foregoing that I have provided control mechanism of a purely mechanical and positive character. The construction is neat, compact, and extremely inexpensive, in comparison with contraptions of an electromagnetic or thermal relay type heretofore provided for the accomplishment of the switch operation. In operation, however, the device of my present invention is direct and positive, substantially noiseless, and, in addition to its cost advantages, eliminates all of the operating disadvantages of non-positive relay type equipment.

It is thought that the invention and its numerous attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and it is obvious, of course, that numerous changes may be made in the form, construction, and arrangement of the several parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing any of its attendant advantages.

The inventionis hereby claimed as follows:

1. The combination, with a main switch and an auxiliary switch for controlling a gaseous conduction device having a pair of spaced filamentary electrodes, of means for connecting said main switch in circuit to control the delivery of electric potential between said electrodes from a suitable power source, said auxiliary switch being adapted for connection between said filamentary electrodes to control the fiow of electriccurrent therethrough, a member drivingly connected with both switches anad manually operable in one direction to close the main switch, and spring means connected to move said member in the opposite direction to open the auxiliary switch upon manual release of said member, following closure of the main switch, whereby both switches may be closed for a predetermined interval under manual control, and the auxiliary switch opened upon release of said manual control.

2. The combination, with a main switch and an auxiliary switch for controlling a gaseous conduction device having means forming spaced electrodes and an ionizing filament, of means for connecting said main switch in circuit to control the delivery of electric potential between said electrodes from a suitable power source, means to connect said auxiliary switch to control the flow of electric current through said filament from a suitable source, a member drivingly connected with both switches and manually operable in one direction to close the main switch, and spring means connected to move said member in the opposite direction to open the auxiliary switch upon manual release of said member, following closure of the main switch, whereby both switches may be closed for a predetermined interval under manual control, and the auxiliary switch opened upon release of said manual control.

3. The combination, with a main switch and an auxiliary switch, of a rotatable switch element rotatable in one direction to alternately open and close the main switch, ratchet means connected on the rotatable switch element, a reversely movable pawl element comprising actuating means manually operable in one direction from a starting position and comprising a pawl in position to engage said ratchet means to move said rotatable switch element, a re? tracting spring connected to return said actuating means to said starting position when manually released, and auxiliary switch driving means comprising a portion formed on said pawl means and co-operating means connected to said auxiliary switch, said portion and said co-operating means being positioned for co-operative engagement, during the switch operating cycle of said pawl means, whereby said auxiliary switch may be closed when the main switch is closed by manual operation of said actuating means, said auxiliary switch being adapted to remain closed so long as manual switch actuating pressure is maintained on said actuating means against the urge of said retracting spring means, said auxiliary switch driving means operating to open said auxiliary switch in response to reverse movement of said actuating means under the influence of said spring means upon the manual release oi said actuating means following closure of the main switch.

4. The combination, with a main switch and an auxiliary switch, of a rotatable switch element rotatable in one direction to alternately open and close the main switch, a ratchet on the rotatable switch element; a reversely movable actuating element having pawl means there on in position to engage said ratchet, said actuating element being manually operable in one direction from a starting position to advance said rotatable switch element, retracting spring means connected to return said actuating element to said starting position when manually released, and an auxiliary switch driving member. on said actuating element and a co-operat ing member connected to said auxiliary switch, said driving and co-operating members being positioned for co-operative engagement at intervals during the switch operating cycle of said reversely movable actuating element whereby said auxiliary switch may be closed when the main switch is closed by manual operation of said actuating element, said auxiliary switch being adapted to remain closed so long as manual switch actuating pressure is maintained on said actuating element against the urge of said retracting spring means, said auxiliary switch actuating means operating to open said auxiliary switch in response to reverse movement of said actuating element under the influence of said spring upon the manual release of said actuating element following closure of the main switch.

ARTHUR H. BUCKLEY. 

